The Lester Prize for Portraiture is pleased to announce the 2025 Main Awards, hosted by the Western Australian Museum Boola Bardip.

The 2025 Main Awards present exceptional talent and fascinating insights from creatives across Australia. Over 1,000 artists submitted their work for entry, with finalists in the running to win a share of the country’s most lucrative prize pool of over $130,000.

There will also be a digital exhibition of finalists’ works showcased daily on the Museum’s Old Gaol complementing the physical exhibition.

Entry is free for Museum Members. Entrance to the WA Museum Boola Bardip is $15 and this gives you a 12-month membership with unlimited general entry. 

About the Lester Prize
The Lester Prize is managed by The Lester Inc, a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2007 to provide an avenue for artists to exhibit works of portraiture within Western Australia. Working with government, peak arts bodies and community groups, it helps to diversify WA's local economy, grow cultural tourism, and activate spaces through creative placemaking.

The Lester Prize provides locals and visitors with the opportunity to engage with the artform each year in a format that puts the artists and community front-and-centre.